Many Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone users are faced with the intrusive functionality that comes immediately after unpacking the device, including an additional desktop located to the left of the homepage, an area often referred to as widget tape or the “Minus First Screen,” which is overflowing with news, recommendations and advertising, which annoys those who value the cleanliness of the interface.
Fortunately, MIUI and the new HyperOS allow for flexible management of this space, so you can not just hide the extra widgets, but also completely deactivate the left panel by returning a familiar swipe to search or simply leaving empty space, which does not require superuser rights and is safe for warranty.
In this article, we will go into detail all the ways to clean the interface. We will look at standard methods of disabling through settings, working with aggregator applications and the nuances that can occur on different versions of firmware. Full tape disabling is possible only through the system settings of the desktop, not through the removal of shortcuts.
What is the left panel and why does it interfere with the
By default, the Chinese company’s shell offers an extra screen for quick access to information. Global firmware versions are most likely to aggregate news from Google Discover, weather, steps and app recommendations. However, in Chinese versions or after flashing, Mi Video and Mi Browser services may be there.
The main problem is that this panel consumes RAM and CPU resources, constantly updating content in the background. For owners of low-end Redmi models with a small amount of RAM, this can cause micro-latency when switching between windows.
And news algorithms are often inaccurate, showing content that is not interesting to the user, instead of a useful tool, a source of information noise that distracts from the main tasks.
⚠️ Note: Disconnect system components through ADB-teams without proper experience can lead to unstable operation of the launcher. Use only the usual methods of setting up described below.
Disconnection through desktop settings
The easiest and safest way to remove the extra is to use the built-in options. The settings interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS, but the logic remains the same. You do not need to search for hidden menus or install third-party software.
To start, unlock your smartphone and go to the main screen. Make a long tap in the icon-free area or use a special gesture with two fingers brought together. This action will open the desktop editing mode, where widgets, wallpaper and settings are available.
At the bottom of the screen or in the top corner (depending on the version), find the gear icon or the "Additional" button. When you click on it, you will be taken to the launcher's settings menu. Here you will find the item responsible for displaying the left screen, which can be called "Widget Ribbon", "Google Discover", "Minus first screen" or "OneTap".
☑️ Shutdown algorithm
Once the switch is switched to the off or off position, the left panel will disappear instantly, and now, when swiping from right to left, nothing will happen from the first page, or a search will open if this option is activated separately.
Setting up widgets in Google Discover
If you don’t want to completely remove the left bar, but you’re annoyed by specific content, like news, they can be fine-tuned.Often users confuse Xiaomi’s system feed with Google Discover, which is part of the search engine, not the shell.
To manage this data stream, go to the settings of the Google app itself. Open the app list, search for Google, click three dots in the corner and select Settings. Next, go to Ribbon Settings or Discover.
Here you can:
- 📰 Turn off the display of news cards completely, leaving only the weather.
- 🔇 Remove notifications from specific sources that publish false information.
- 🌐 Change the language of content if you receive news in a foreign language.
Also available in this section is the "Show the Weather" option, where if the weather widget is duplicated on the home screen, you can hide it here so as not to clutter the interface.
| Parameter | Where to find out. | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Widget tape | Desktop settings | Off. |
| Google Cards | Google App settings | If you wish, |
| Show the weather | Google feed settings | Turned off (if there is a widget) |
| Notifications of tape | Notification settings | Forbidden. |
Why are the settings resetting?
Removal of system aggregator applications
In some cases, especially on global firmware, a separate system app is responsible for the left panel, which can be called Google Quick Search Box, Mi Video or simply "Tape", and it is often impossible to remove it in the standard way (long press and cross).
However, you can limit its impact. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find suspicious system services related to news or video. Click on them and select Stop and then Disable (if the button is active).
If the "Disable" button is inactive, you can use the ADB concealment method, but this requires a computer connection. The simpler option is to deny the application access to the Internet. In the menu of a particular application, find the "Network Connections" or "Data Transfer" option and turn off access to Wi-Fi and mobile network.
Without access to the network, the app will not be able to download news and ads, turning the left panel into an empty white field or simply stop functioning.It is an effective way to combat intrusive content without risking a system breakdown.
⚠️ Warning: Do not remove system packages unless you are sure of their purpose.Removing critical components can lead to a cyclical smartphone reboot (bootloop).
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Use Activity Launcher to find hidden settings for specific system services that don’t appear in the general application list.
Alternative launchers as a solution to the problem
If the standard methods do not give the desired result or the MIUI interface seems too overloaded, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher, which completely replaces the desktop, menu and control panel.
Popular options like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher allow you to create a unique design, which initially does not have an obtrusive tape on the left, or you can turn it on at will by choosing a news source yourself.
Advantages of third-party launchers:
- 🚀 High speed of work and optimization of animations.
- 🎨 Deep customization of icons, fonts and screen grid.
- 🛡️ Lack of built-in advertising and trackers from the manufacturer.
To install an alternative launcher, download it from the Play Market, launch it and follow the instructions. The system will prompt you to choose it as the main home screen application, after which the standard Xiaomi shell will remain only in the settings menu.
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Third-party launcher is a radical, but the most effective solution for completely getting rid of brand restrictions and advertising of the MIUI interface.